Before you plan one, though, check your local laws. Many states and towns now ban or restrict balloon releases, because the balloons come down as litter that can harm wildlife and livestock. Some of the alternatives below carry the same meaning without the harm.
Historical Context
The image is an old one. Scripture describes prayer rising to God like incense smoke, and in Revelation the prayers of the saints go up before God’s throne. A balloon release, a candle or a lantern borrows that picture: what we let go of rises, and God receives it.
A Balloon Release Prayer for a Memorial
Lord, we let go of these balloons
the way we have had to let go of (name).
We cannot follow where they go,
but we trust you hold them, and that you hold (name) too.
Carry our love up to you,
comfort everyone here,
and bring us together again one day.
Amen.
For a Birthday in Heaven
Lord, today would have been (name)’s birthday.
We celebrate the life you gave them and the years we had.
Tell them we miss them and that we love them still.
Amen.
For a Celebration
Lord, as these rise, let our thanks rise with them
for this day, this person and this joy.
Bless what comes next.
Amen.
Alternatives to a Balloon Release
- Blowing bubbles: children especially love this, and nothing is left behind.
- Planting a tree or flowers: something that grows from the memory.
- Lighting candles together: at the grave, at home or in church.
- Releasing flower petals into a river or the sea.
- Having a Mass offered for the person who has died.
Best Times for This Prayer
- At a graveside or memorial gathering.
- On the anniversary of a death or a birthday in heaven.
- For the loss of a baby, at a remembrance event.
- At a graduation or a send-off.
Scripture Connection
“And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God.” — Revelation 8:4
In Revelation’s vision, nothing we pray is lost; it rises and arrives before God. Whatever you let go of at a memorial, the love behind it reaches him.
Related prayers
For a loved one who has died, see the Prayer for Dad in Heaven and the Crossing Over Prayer. For lighting a candle or incense in prayer, the Incense Prayer.